Calling all pickleball enthusiasts! Luxury facility Dink & Dine Pickle Park recently opened in Mesa – and I was lucky enough to get an exclusive invite to experience this new trend of upscale sporting.
Located just off the 202 and Dobson Road at the Mesa Riverview shopping center lies a massive structure rivaling nearby Bass Pro Shops. The bus-sized pickleball above the Dink & Dine sign signifies you’re in the right spot. The warehouse-like venue houses 13 pickleball courts, classic yard games, premium dining, a full bar and much more. For the uninitiated: pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport best described as a blend of tennis, badminton and ping-pong played with a wiffle-like ball. Pickleball’s popularity has rapidly grown over the past 10 years. Not only is it a game for all ages and skill levels, but it has a communal sense that’s prompted social facilities like Dink & Dine to pop up around the country – including Electric Pickle and Chicken N Pickle in the Valley. I had yet to visit one of these luxe concepts and was itching to get inside and get a peek at all the fun.
I’m immediately impressed as soon as I walk through the entryway. The “upscale” description on the press release was spot-on. Bright lights, clean courts and colorful themed murals set a stylish tone the exact opposite of a bland gymnasium. Staff members behind a large front desk quickly check patrons and direct them to reserved courts. An array of pickleball merchandise is available for purchase. I’m drawn to the cheeky “Paddles Down, Pints Up” hats and impulsively go to buy one. Sadly, I’m called for my media your and walk away empty-handed. The quick tour gives me a lay of the land led by one of Dink & Dine’s enthusiastic staff members. We weave through the indoor courts where single- and double-games are in play. High-top tables and chairs line the courts, perfect for patrons to cheer on friends as they relax with a drink.
Directly in the center of the courts is the Paddle Heads Bar & Eatery, which offers a signature craft cocktail selection and full bar. I take this opportunity to peruse the menu and order a botanical, fizzy and refreshing Hugo Spritz. The tour continues to the rear of the building, which is made up of large windows and garage-style doors. The open doors blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces that lead to a massive, covered courtyard. I’m in shock at how the space seems to endlessly continue with – yup, you guessed it – more courts. Players on these outdoor courts seem to be more relaxed, as conversations and laughs linger in the air. An assortment of seating options also encourages relaxation with a variety of designated zones for dining or lounging between games. Well-placed bushes and trees help downsize the overwhelming space and break up the concrete slabs. One side of the courtyard holds a turf backyard-like area with Adirondack chairs, couches and classic yard games like giant Connect Four and Spikeball. A massive screen serves as a focal point and airs an NFL game, where a group of non-pickleball players happily relax, drink and watch. Across the courtyard lies a clubhouse for private parties. This swanky space includes a private ballroom and private indoor courts available for rental.
It’s finally time to put my skills to the test and hit the courts. Instead of playing a full technical game, I choose to volley the ball with a friend for a bit. After lots of missed hits and laughs, we work up an appetite and decide to eat. Our hosts are kind enough to send out a variety of dishes so I can get a good overview of their offerings.
This isn’t your typical bar food – it’s bar favorites at an elevated level. The quality sticks out the most and I wonder how the kitchen creates such a large quantity of delicious food so fast. In short: They nailed it. Fresh vegetable crudité is an assortment of fresh veggies with two addicting dips: lemon dill yogurt and edamame hummus. Buffalo cauliflower bites are the perfect finger food with a kick of spice. A must: sharable fried pickles for a kitschy treat. Other menu highlights: a variety of pizzas – including the unique, themed option of pickle pizza – and juicy, flavorful The Park Burger. If you’re looking for some heartier selections, pan-roasted Alaskan halibut – atop an herb-tomato sauce – is perfectly cooked. The steak frites is a showstopper, arriving on a custom wooden plank in the shape of a paddle.
The evening comes to a close and I leave Dink & Dine impressed. Not knowing exactly what to expect when I first arrived, the evening blew me away. Dink & Dine has so much to offer, whether you’re visiting for a date night, get-together with a group of friends or even an older kids’ outing, you’ll find something to do and consume. Visit Dink & Dine’s website to make reservations and even book private lessons for those new to the game, and follow for updates on special events and live music schedules.
1017 N. Dobson Rd., Mesa, 480-719-4697, dinkanddine.com
